LINCOLNTON, GA, USA
N2469E
Cessna 172N
During preflight inspection the pilot removed snow from the aircraft and observed some ice formation on the wings. He did not remove the ice. During takeoff the aircraft would not climb and collided with a tree. The aircraft spun around 180 degrees and crashed to the ground. The pilot attributed the failure to climb on the ice buildup on the wings.
On January 25, 2000, about 1300 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172N, N2469E, registered to a private owner, collided with a tree during climb after takeoff from a private strip near Lincolnton, Georgia, while on a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that upon arrival at the aircraft prior to the flight, the aircraft was covered with snow. He brushed off the snow and observed some ice buildup on the aircraft. He thought the ice would blow off during takeoff. After takeoff, the aircraft would not climb, due to the ice buildup interrupting the airflow over the wing. The right wing collided with a tree, spun around 180 degrees and crashed upright in a field.
The pilot's failure to remove ice from the wings prior to takeoff resulting in the aircraft not climbing after takeoff and colliding with a tree.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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